Lead in Pet Toys II

More pet toys are being randomly tested from different pet stores around the nation as various media groups join the growing investigation on lead levels in pet toys.

Risks of lead toxicosis from pet toys are still lower than other medical conditions currently facing our pets. More pets are likely to suffer (and possibly die) from systemic disease (i.e. kidney disease) and oral pain caused by dental infection than lead toxicosis from pet toys. However, as higher lead contents are found in pet toys, it is only prudent that we exercise a little more caution shopping this holiday season.

The lead levels reported in earlier investigations were very low (see our earlier post below). However, a recent test of the paint used for the logo on a Paws 'N Claws tennis ball for dogs listed the lead level to be 27,200 ppm. Keep in mind, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) prohibits paint with levels in excess of 600 ppm on children's toys. This becomes a valid concern for families that may have children handling these pet toys.

Admittedly, the lead is in the painted logo, not on the whole tennis ball. If you apply similar equations used in our previous calculations, the amount of paint used for the logo is unlikely to cause problems for a 22 pound dog --- unless that dog eats this particular type of tennis ball (or the paint from the logo) every day for a month. Of course, if your 2 pound Chihuahua is very sensitive to lead, eating the paint from one ball may be enough to cause critical toxicity.

As lead levels get higher in these tests, things are less clear-cut as to how worried we should be. There is still no cause for panic. But we should definitely be more selective of our pet toys.

Since the most frequent culprit seems to be the shiny lead-containing paint, you can minimize the risk by avoiding toys with painted designs. Some advocates not buying toys "Made in China." But it is not clear how much safer toys made outside of China are, considering some may still contain paint made in China.

As you research and read about tests and lead levels, remember to keep things in perspective:

* There is a difference between the lead content and the amount available or accessible to the pets (consumers). The lead content in the paint is available to pets from ingestion (peeling paint or paint chips). The lead content in the ceramic dish is NOT the same as the level exposed to pets. A different test is needed to determine the amount of lead in the dish that is leached into the food or water and ingested by pets. That leached amount is a lot lower than the lead level found in the dish itself.

* Reports tend to highlight the high lead level in several toys. Hundreds of other toys are usually also tested and found to be within the acceptable safe limits.

There will likely be on-going independent investigations for a while. Official recalls, if any, are usually announced in the news and/or at the pet stores themselves. However, some of you may want to be informed of every development. Below are two links to sites we found to be quick with any news stories in pet care:
http://www.stevedalepetworld.com
http://www.itchmo.com